<a href="http://delacruzcollection.org/restaurant_blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/image1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-481" title="image1" src="http://delacruzcollection.org/restaurant_blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/image1-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></a><strong>139 NE 39th Street
305-573-0707
<a href="http://www.vinoeolio.com/" target="_blank">www.vinoeolio.com/</a>
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A welcome upscale addition to the hip and cool Design District.  Andrea Menichetti brings a real commitment to provide the neighborhood with authentic Tuscan dishes.  Being the son of two 2 star Michelin chefs brings with it a certain level of anticipation and expectation.  His mother is a chef and founder of the celebrated Italian restaurant, Da Caino in Montemerano, and dad is a vineyard owner and sommelier.   Much of the cuisine is based on Tuscan peasant fare, which Menichetti compliments with olive oil, cheese and spices from the family farm. He sources quality local ingredients to produce special dishes like shrimp and scallops married with a mint and zucchini cream and eggplant parmesan and veal sweetbreads with burrata.

Some of the antipasti dishes are a bit pricey.  A better choice for value is the primi piatti where several of the pastas are made in house.  “Naked Ravioli”, fresh ricotta and spinach in handmade ravioli with sage and butter is memorable.  Roasted suckling pig is showcased in a pea puree and roasted duck breast pairs with a red onion confit.  Service is a bit underwhelming and the black walls could use some brighter accents along with better lighting.   The 1300 bottle wine list should make any oenophile cheer.  Others dining options include an outdoor terrace and chef’s table.

<strong>Monday - Sunday: 5 pm - 2 am</strong>